What to Do After a Car Accident – Tips

What to Do After a Car Accident - Tips

At some point in our lives, we will all experience a car accident, either directly or indirectly. Most of us aren't even prepared for what happens after the car accident, if and when it happens.

We hope the below "after car accident tips" will be helpful to you. After a car accident, people have a tough time comprehending the magnitude of the wreck. Take a moment to think about what you would need to do to prepare for an accident, as well as important and helpful steps to take if you're victim to one.

Preparation for after a Car Accident - Useful Tips

Sure, there's all of the paper work you'll need, like your insurance info, vehicle registration and your driver's license, which you'll exchange with the other parties involved in the accident. But more importantly, it's good to have some sort of emergency kit readily available because your life might depend on it. Your accident emergency kit should include the following:

Securely strapped down Fire Extinguisher rated for Class B and C fires by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Seat belt cutter and window breaker

Digital Camera to take pictures with in case your Smart phone is dead

Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry. The more precautions you take now, the better prepared you'll be to save yourself and others in an emergency situation.

Ensure Everyone Is OK - Get to Safety

Safety first - Immediately after a car accident make sure you and your passengers are not hurt. If anyone seems hurt, don't hesitate to call 911 and seek medical attention. Then check with the others involved in the accident. If anyone at all seems unresponsive or unsure of their condition, seek medical help immediately. Many injuries are internal and require quick medical attention and assessments.

If everyone seems fine then move to safety. Get to the shoulder of the road or a sidewalk. First make sure all parties involved are not hurt, then quickly assess the situation and decide whether the accident was minor enough to move the vehicles off the road. If in doubt, leave the vehicles where they are and put on your hazard lights. Then get to a safe location away from oncoming traffic. Don't worry about blocking traffic - your life's at stake here.

Control Your Emotions and Keep Your Cool

This isn't the time or place to start pointing fingers and placing blame. Exchanging personal information is important here and acquiring a witness or witnesses will help at putting closure to the situation. You will need to document the damages to your vehicle, exchange info, file a police report and contact your insurance agent. Oh, and if you don't currently have insurance while you're reading this, please go get it now!

File a Police Report

If everyone is ok, reach out to the local police, even if this is a minor accident. If you're in an unincorporated area you might need to contact the highway patrol. Be prepared to provide the following:

Your driver's license

Your vehicle's registration card

Evidence you're financially responsible for the vehicle

Your current address (if it's different from what's on your license)

You will fill out an accident report that includes info on the place and time of the accident along with the other drivers info in addition to details of any injuries or property damage. Check out this Accident Guide from the DMV's website. Don't forget to ask for the officer's information too along with a copy of the accident report. If you're unable to attain a copy of the report, get the officer's badge and phone numbers, name, and police report number. It is strongly encouraged that you stay at the scene until the officer arrives. Some jurisdictions consider leaving the scene before reporting it to law enforcement, a misdemeanor offense.

Write Down Other Driver's Information

While waiting for the police to arrive, get the other driver's personal info and insurance. This is a must, even for minor accidents because some you might not feel an injury until the next day. Write down the following from the other driver(s):

Name

Address

Phone Number

Make and Model of the vehicle(s) involved

License Plate Number

Insurance Name and Policy Number

And if possible, their email address and a picture of them

Don't Admit Guilt After Car Accident

Even if you're at fault, don't admit that you are at fault. It's ok to state the facts of the accident, but leave your emotions out of admitting who might be to blame here, and leave it to the police and insurance companies to determine the varying degrees of fault.

Take Detailed Notes and Photos

This is the time to write down everything that happened, even snap some photos. Don't rely on memory alone because we are only human, and we are fully capable of forgetting important details during heightened emotions. Documenting what happened will aid in your ability to describe the details of the accident and the moments leading up to it.